 | Over The Counter: $5-$30 |
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 | With Insurance: $5-$75 |
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 | Without Insurance: $40-$110 |
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| In most cases, earwax is a healthy part of ear function. However, an overabundance of earwax can cause aching, pressure and even ear infections. (See How Much Does Ear Infection Treatment Cost.) | | |
| Typical costs: | - Without insurance, an appointment to have earwax removed can cost between $40 and $110 at a primary care physician's office or a clinic for people without insurance. CVS Minute Clinic charges $59 for ear wax removal.
- With insurance, typical copays and deductibles will apply. Copays for office visits range between $5 and $75, depending upon the insurance company. The average insured individual in the U.S. has a $19 office visit copay.
- Over-the-counter earwax removal kits range from $5 for an Ototek Loop removal kit to nearly $30 for a Kyrosol Ear Wax Removal System.
- Earwax removal can also be safely accomplished using eardrops. Drops range in cost from $5.15 for .75 ounces of Auro Ear Drops Wax Removal Aid to $7.99 for .5 ounces of Debrox Ear Wax Removal Drops.
- Although the Food and Drug Administration warns against their use, some alternative health practitioners do "ear candling" to remove excess earwax. Ear candles cost between $2 for two beeswax candles to $250 for 75 candles, which is equal to about $3.30 per candle. Ear candling sessions at a spa, salon or massage clinic can cost between $25 and $80, depending upon the region of the country.
What should be included: | - A doctor's office visit for earwax removal will include talking with the doctor about any ear symptoms or concerns. The doctor will examine the patient's ears for signs of infection or other problems, and determine the best earwax removal method. Some doctors use pressurized water to remove earwax; others remove the wax using a tiny plastic loop inserted into the ear; and some doctors opt for vacuum removal, using light suction to remove the wax buildup.
- At-home earwax removal kits are similar to what a physician uses. Loop kits include instructions and a plastic loop to scoop out the wax. The Kryosol kit includes information on product use, a glycerin-based, wax-loosening solution in individual plastic pipettes and a syringe to place the solution inside the ear canal. Other kits include a bulb syringe, which helps remove the wax.
- Ear wax drops include product information, dosing instructions and a container with between .5 ounces and 1 ounce of ear wax removal solution, which dissolves the ear wax inside the ear canal.
Additional costs: | - The Food and Drug Administration strongly recommends that patients avoid ear candling. If ear candling results in burns or an ear injury, a doctor's visit or hospital visit may be required. For those without insurance a visit could cost between $50 and $100,000, depending upon the extent of the injury.
Shopping for ear wax removal: | - Anyone with ear pain, stuffiness or difficulty hearing should consult a doctor before attempting earwax removal. Rarely, ear pain or stuffiness can be the result of an infection or other problem. Over-the-counter ear wax removal products could exacerbate the problem. In addition, patients with an injury to or perforation of the ear drum should not use any over-the-counter earwax removal methods. Over-the-counter methods should also not be used on infants or children who have ear tubes.
- Patients considering an over-the-counter method should begin by selecting a system that fits their comfort level. Loop systems require a certain level of skill and eye-hand coordination. Drops are considered a medication and should be use with care. Patients can talk to a pharmacist about the options.
- Before making a purchase in a pharmacy, make sure the packaging is complete and intact.
- If purchasing online, research the company before buying ear candles, earwax removal kits or ear drops. The Food and Drug Administration offers tips and advice for purchasing medications online.
- If purchasing ear candling services through a salon, read reviews about the business through the Better Business Bureau before scheduling an appointment. Ask the technician how long he or she has been doing ear candling. Don't be afraid to ask if he or she has had any accidents associated with the treatment.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated August 2010 |
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